Water treatment system and method

ABSTRACT

A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a system and method oftreating or purifying a fluid and, more particularly, to a watertreatment system incorporating an electrochemical device with areservoir system for delivering treated water to a point of use.

2. Description of Related Art

Water that contains hardness species such as calcium and magnesium maybe undesirable for some uses in industrial, commercial and householdapplications. The typical guidelines for a classification of waterhardness are: zero to 60 milligrams per liter (mg/l) as calciumcarbonate is classified as soft; 61 to 120 mg/l as moderately hard; 121to 180 mg/l as hard; and more than 180 mg/l as very hard.

Hard water can be treated by removing the hardness ion species. Examplesof systems that remove such species include those that use ion exchangebeds. In such systems, the hardness ions become ionically bound tooppositely charged ionic species that are mixed on the surface of theion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin eventually becomes saturatedwith ionically bound hardness ion species and must be regenerated.Regeneration typically involves replacing the bound hardness specieswith more soluble ionic species, such as sodium chloride. The hardnessspecies bound on the ion exchange resin are replaced by the sodium ionsand the ion exchange resins are ready again for a subsequent watersoftening step.

Other systems have been disclosed. For example, Dosch, in U.S. Pat. No.3,148,687 teaches a washing machine including a water softeningarrangement using ion exchange resins. Similarly, Gadini et al., inInternational Application Publication No. WO00/64325, disclose ahousehold appliance using water with an improved device for reducing thewater hardness. Gadini et al. teach of a household appliance having acontrol system, a water supply system from an external source and asoftening system with an electrochemical cell. McMahon, in U.S. Pat. No.5,166,220, teaches of a regeneration of ion exchange resin with a brinesolution in a water softening process.

Systems and techniques that utilize electrodeionization (EDI) can beused to demineralize, purify or treat water. EDI is a process thatremoves ionizable species from liquids using electrically active mediaand an electrical potential to influence ion transport. The electricallyactive media may function to collect and discharge ionizable species, orto facilitate the transport of ions by ionic or electronic substitutionmechanisms. EDI devices can include media having permanent or temporarycharge and can be operated to cause electrochemical reactions designedto achieve or enhance performance. These devices may also includeelectrically active membranes such as semi-permeable ion exchange orbipolar membranes.

Continuous electrodeionization (CEDI) is a process that relies on iontransport through electrically active media or electroactive media. Atypical CEDI device includes alternating electroactive semi-permeableanion and cation selective membranes. The spaces between the membranesare configured to create liquid flow compartments with inlets andoutlets. A transverse DC electrical field is imposed by an externalpower source through electrodes at the bounds of the compartments. Insome configurations, electrode compartments are provided so thatreaction product from the electrodes can be separated from the otherflow compartments. Upon imposition of the electric field, ions in theliquid to be treated in one compartment, the ion-depleting compartment,are attracted to their respective attracting electrodes. The ionsmigrate through the selectively permeable membranes into the adjoiningcompartments so that the liquid in the adjoining ion-concentratingcompartments become ionically concentrated. The volume within thedepleting compartments and, in some embodiments, within theconcentrating compartments, includes electrically active media. In CEDIdevices, the electroactive media may include intimately mixed anion andcation exchange resin beads. Such electroactive media typically enhancesthe transport of ions within the compartments and may participate as asubstrate for controlled electrochemical reactions. Electrodeionizationdevices have been described by, for example, Giuffrida et al. in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,632,745, 4,925,541, and 5,211,823, by Ganzi in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,259,936 and 5,316,637, by Oren et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,809and by Kedem in U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,579.

Other systems that can be used to demineralize water have beendescribed. For example, Gaysowski, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,864, teachesof an apparatus that involves both ion exchange and electrodialysis.Johnson, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,135, teaches of a demineralizingapparatus using a DC potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a water purification or treatmentsystem comprising a pressurized reservoir system fluidly connected to apoint of entry, a water treatment device fluidly connected to thepressurized reservoir system, a water distribution system fluidlyconnected to the pressurized reservoir system and at least one point ofuse fluidly connected to the water distribution system.

In another aspect of the present invention, a treatment system isprovided comprising a reservoir system fluidly connected to a point ofentry, an electrochemical device fluidly connected to the reservoirsystem, a point of use fluidly connected to the reservoir system, and anauxiliary use fluidly connected downstream of the electrochemicaldevice.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating water comprising introducing water to a pressurized reservoirsystem, transferring a portion of the water from the pressurizedreservoir system to a water treatment device, removing at least aportion of any undesirable species from the water from the pressurizedreservoir system in the water treatment device to produce a treatedwater, transferring the treated water from the water treatment device tothe pressurized reservoir system and distributing a portion of thetreated water from the pressurized reservoir system to a point of use.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating water comprising introducing water from a point of use to areservoir system, removing at least a portion of any undesirable speciesfrom the water in the reservoir system in an electrochemical device toproduce treated water and discharge water, transferring at least aportion of the treated water from the electrochemical device to thereservoir system, transferring a portion of the discharge water to anauxiliary use, and distributing a portion of the treated water from thereservoir system to a point of use.

In another aspect of the present invention, a water distribution systemis provided comprising a first pretreatment system fluidly connected toa point of entry, a pressurized reservoir system fluidly connecteddownstream of the first pretreatment system, a second pretreatmentsystem fluidly connected to the pressurized reservoir system and anelectrochemical device fluidly connected downstream of the secondpretreatment system and to the pressurized reservoir system.

In another aspect of the present invention, a water treatment system isprovided comprising means for accumulating water from a water source ata pressure above atmospheric pressure and an electrochemical devicefluidly connected to the means for accumulating water.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating water comprising mixing water from a point of entry with atreated water to produce a mixed water, removing a portion of anyundesirable species from a portion of the mixed water in anelectrochemical device to produce the treated water and distributing aportion of the mixed water to a point of use.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating water comprising accumulating water from a point of use,removing at least a portion of any undesirable species from the water inan electrochemical device to produce treated water, and supplying atleast a portion of the treated water to a household.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating water comprising accumulating water from a point of use at apressure that is above atmospheric pressure, providing anelectrochemical device electrochemical device, transferring at least aportion of the accumulated water to the electrochemical device, removingat least a portion of any undesirable species from the water in theelectrochemical device to produce a treated water, and adjusting atleast one operating parameter of the electrochemical device.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a systemcomprising a fluid reservoir in thermal communication with a heatexchanger and a fluid treatment device fluidly connected to the fluidreservoir.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forfacilitating water treatment. The method can comprises providing asystem comprising a pressurizable reservoir system that is fluidlyconnectable to a point of entry and an electrochemical device fluidlyconnected to the pressurizable reservoir system and fluidly connectableto a water distribution system.

Other advantages, novel features and objects of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the inventionwhen considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which areschematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures,each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated invarious figures is represented by a single numeral or notation. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, noris every component of each embodiment of the invention shown whereillustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in theart to understand the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed by way of example and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of a water treatment system showing anin-line system with a pressurized reservoir system and a treatmentdevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, sectional view through a typical electrochemicaldevice in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, illustrating the fluid and ion flow directions throughdepleting and concentrating compartments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of a water treatment system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention as discussed inExample 1;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing conductivity of water treated in the watertreatment system exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed inExample 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a water treatment system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention as discussed inExample 2; and

FIG. 6 is a graph showing conductivity of water treated in the watertreatment system exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed inExample 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

United States patent applications titled WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM ANDMETHOD by Wilkins et al. and filed on even date herewith; WATERTREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD by Ganzi et al. and filed on even dateherewith; WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD by Freydina et al. and filedon even date herewith; WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD by Wilkins etal. and filed on even date herewith; WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHODby Freydina et al. and filed on even date herewith; WATER TREATMENTSYSTEM AND METHOD by Wilkins et al. and filed on even date herewith; andWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD by Jha et al. and filed on even dateherewith are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention is directed to a water treatment or purificationsystem and method of providing treated water in industrial, commercialand residential settings. The treatment system can provide treated waterto a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causingspecies contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water,well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. Otherapplications of the system would be in the treatment and processing offoods and beverages, sugars, various industries, such as the chemical,pharmaceutical, food and beverage, wastewater treatments andpower-generating industries. The present invention will be describedusing water as the fluid but should not be limited as such. For example,where reference is made to treated water, it is believed that otherfluids can be treated according to the present invention. Moreover,where reference is made to a component of the system or to the method ofthe present invention that adjusts, modifies, measures or operates onwater or water property, the present invention is believed to beapplicable as well. Thus, the fluid to be treated may be a fluid that isa mixture comprising water. Accordingly, the fluid can be a liquid thatcan comprise water.

The water purification or treatment system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention typically receives water fromthe water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containingat least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water toa point of use. The treatment system typically has a reservoir system inline with a water purification or treatment apparatus such as, but notlimited to, an electrodeionization device, a reverse osmosis device, anelectrodialysis device, a capacitive deionization device, amicrofiltration device, and/or an ultrafiltration device. The treatmentsystem, in some embodiments of the present invention, further comprisesa sensor for measuring at least one property of the water or anoperating condition of the treatment system. In other embodiments, thetreatment system also includes a controller for adjusting or regulatingat least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a componentof the treatment system.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a treatment system according toone embodiment of the present invention. Treatment system 10 includes areservoir system 12 fluidly connected, typically, to a liquid source ora point of entry 14 and to a purification or treatment device 16,typically downstream of the point of entry. Treatment system 10typically includes a point of use 18, which is typically fluidlyconnected downstream of reservoir system 12. In certain embodiments,treatment system 10 also has a sensor 20 and a controller 22 forcontrolling or regulating power source 24 which provides power totreatment device 16. Treatment device 16 typically removes at least aportion of any undesirable species from the liquid to be treated,flowing from point of entry 14, to produce treated liquid, such wastreated water, for storage in reservoir system 12 and ultimate deliveryto point of use 18. Undesirable species removed by treatment device 16can be transferred to an auxiliary use or a drain 26.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, treatment system 10,as, for example, a water treatment system, further includes pretreatmentsystem 28, which is typically fluidly connected upstream of reservoirsystem 12 or treatment device 16. Moreover, treatment system 10typically also includes one or more fluid control components, such aspump 30 and valve 32.

The present invention will be further understood in light of thefollowing definitions. As used herein, “pressurized” refers to a systemor component that has a pressure, internal or applied, that is aboveatmospheric pressure. For example, pressurized reservoir system 12 hasan internal pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. Pressurein the pressurized reservoir system can be created by various methodsand techniques, for example, by pressurizing the water with a water pumpor by elevating the water source, thus creating head pressure.Furthermore, where reference is made to “treated” water or fluid, thetreated water can be softened water, low Langelier Saturation Index(LSI) water or low conductivity water. As used herein, low LSI water hasa LSI of less than about 2, preferably, less than about 1, and morepreferably, less than about zero. As used herein, the phrase “treatmentdevice” or “purification device” or apparatus pertains to any apparatusthat can be used to remove or reduce the concentration any undesirablespecies from a fluid to be treated. Such treatment apparatus include,but are not limited to, those that rely on techniques such asion-exchange resin reverse osmosis, electrodeionization,electrodialysis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, capacitivedeionization. Further, where reference is made to an electrochemicaldevice, such as “electrodeionization device 16,” such reference is meantto be exemplary and other electrochemical devices such as, but notlimited to, electrodeionization devices, electrodialysis devices, and,in some cases, capacitive deionization devices, may be used inaccordance with the principles of the present invention as long as suchuse is not inconsistent or contrary to operation of such devices and/orthe techniques of the present invention. Although a number of apparatusmay be used as a treatment device, the applicability of such apparatusis not intended to imply that each or all of the apparatus utilize thesame principles but that such apparatus may be used, alone or incombination, as a treatment device in accordance with one or moresystems and techniques of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of fluid and ion flowpaths through one embodiment of an electrodeionization device of thepresent invention. The electrodeionization module or device 16 includesion-depleting (depleting) compartments 34 and ion-concentrating(concentrating) compartments 36, positioned between depletingcompartments 34. Depleting compartments 34 are typically bordered by ananolyte compartment 38 and a catholyte compartment 40. Typically, endblocks (not shown) are positioned adjacent to end plates (not shown) tohouse an anode 42 and a cathode 44 in the respective compartments. Incertain embodiments, the compartments include cation-selective membranes46 and anion-selective membranes 48. The cation-selective membranes andanion-selective membranes typically comprise ion exchange powder, apolyethylene powder binder and a glycerin lubricant.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, thecation- and anion-selective membranes are typically heterogeneouspolyolefin-based membranes, which are typically extruded by athermoplastic process using heat and pressure to create a compositesheet. However, the present invention contemplates the use of the othertypes of membranes including homogeneous membranes. Representativesuitable ion-selective membranes include, for example, web supportedusing styrene-divinyl benzene with sulphonic acid or quaternary ammoniumfunctional groups, web supported using styrene-divinyl benzene in apolyvinylidene fluoride binder, and unsupported-sulfonated styrene andquarternized vinyl benzyl amine grafts on polyethylene sheet.

Concentrating compartments 36 are typically filled with electroactivemedia such as cation exchange resin beads 50 and depleting compartments34 are typically filled with a mixture of cation exchange resin beads 50and anion exchange resin beads 52. In some embodiments, the cationexchange and anion exchange resin beads can be arranged in layers withinany of the depleting, concentrating and electrode compartments so that anumber of layers in a variety of arrangements can be assembled. Otherconfigurations and/or arrangements are believed to be within the scopeof the invention including, for example, the use of mixed bed ionexchange resin beads in any of the depleting, concentrating andelectrode compartments, the use of inert resin between layer beds ofanionic and cationic exchange resin beads, the use of various types andarrangements of anionic and cationic resin beads including, but notlimited to, those described by DiMascio et al., in U.S. Pat. No.5,858,191, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In operation, a liquid to be treated 54, typically from an upstreamwater source entering the treatment system at point of entry 14, havingdissolved cationic and anionic components, including hardness ionspecies, can be introduced into depleting compartments 34 throughmanifold 60, wherein the cationic components are typically attracted tothe cation exchange resin beads 50 and the anionic components areattracted to the anion exchange resin beads 52. An electric fieldapplied across electrodeionization device 16, through anode 42 andcathode 44, which are typically positioned on opposite ends ofelectrodeionization device 16, typically passes perpendicularly relativeto the fluid flow direction. Under the influence of the electric field,cationic and anionic components in the liquid tend to migrate in adirection corresponding to their attracting electrodes. Cationiccomponents can migrate through cation-selective membrane 46 intoadjacent concentrating compartment 36.

Anion-selective membrane 48, positioned on the opposite side ofconcentrating compartment 36, prevents migration into adjacentcompartments, thereby trapping the cationic components in theconcentrating compartment. Similarly, anionic components migrate throughthe ion-selective membranes, but in a direction that is oppositerelative to the migration direction of the cationic components. Anioniccomponents migrate through anion-selective membrane 48, from depletingcompartment 34, into adjacent concentrating compartment 36.Cation-selective membrane 46, positioned on the other side ofconcentrating compartment 36, prevents further migration, thus trappinganionic components in the concentrating compartment. In net effect,ionic components are removed or depleted from the liquid 54 flowing indepleting compartments 34 and collected in concentrating compartments 36resulting in a treated water product stream 56 and a concentrate orwaste stream 58.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, theapplied electric field on electrodeionization device 16 creates apolarization phenomenon, which typically leads to the dissociation ofwater into hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. The hydrogen and hydroxyl ionsregenerate the ion exchange resin beads 50 and 52 in depletingcompartments 34 and in some embodiments, concentrating compartments 36,so that removal of dissolved ionic components can occur continuously andwithout a separate step for regenerating exhausted electroactive media.

The applied electric field on electrodeionization device 16 is typicallya direct current. However, any applied electric current that creates abias or a potential difference between one electrode and another can beused to promote migration of ionic species by, for example, ionicattraction. Therefore, an alternating current may be used, provided thatthere is a potential difference between electrodes that is sufficient toattract cationic and anionic species to the respective attractingelectrodes. In yet another embodiment, an alternating current may berectified, for example, by using a diode or a bridge rectifier, toconvert an alternating current to a pulsating current with sufficientpotential to attract the charged species.

The electroactive media, ion exchange resin beads 50 and 52, typicallyutilized in ion-depleting compartments 34, can have a variety offunctional groups on their surface regions including, but not limitedto, tertiary, alkyl amino groups and dimethyl ethanolamine. Thesematerials can also be used in combination with materials having variousfunctional groups on their surface regions, such as quaternary ammoniumgroups. Other modifications and equivalents of the electrodeionizationdevice, as part of the water treatment system disclosed, will occur topersons skilled in the art using no more than routine experimentation.For example, various other types of electroactive media may be used suchas heterogeneous and homogeneous types. Similarly, other variations inarrangements of depleting and concentrating compartments are believed tobe within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Reservoir system 12 serves to store or accumulate water from point ofentry 14 or a water source and can also serve to store treated waterfrom product stream 56 from electrodeionization device 16 and can alsoprovide water, typically treated water, or treated water mixed withwater from point of entry 14, to point of use 18 through a distributionsystem.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reservoirsystem 12 comprises a pressurized vessel or a vessel that has inlets andoutlets for fluid flow such as an inlet 62 and an outlet 64. Inlet 62 istypically fluidly connected to point of entry 14 and outlet 64 istypically fluidly connected to a water distribution system or a point ofuse 18. Reservoir system 12 can have several vessels, each vessel, inturn, can have several inlets positioned at various locations.Similarly, outlet 64 can be positioned on each vessel at variouslocations depending on, among other things, demand or flow rate to pointof use 18, capacity or efficiency of electrodeionization device 16 andcapacity or hold-up of reservoir system 12. Reservoir system 12 canfurther comprise various components or elements that perform desirablefunctions or avoid undesirable consequences. For example, reservoirsystem 12 can have vessels having internal components, such as bafflesthat are positioned to disrupt any internal flow currents within thevessels of reservoir system 12. In some embodiments, reservoir system 12has a heat exchanger for heating or cooling the fluid. For example,reservoir system 12 can comprise a vessel with a heating coil, which canhave a heating fluid at an elevated temperature relative to thetemperature of the fluid in the vessel. The heating fluid can be hotwater in closed-loop flow with a furnace or other heating generatingunit operation so that the heating fluid temperature is raised in thefurnace. The heating fluid, in turn, raises the vessel fluid temperatureby heat transfer. Other examples of auxiliary or additional componentsinclude, but are not limited to, pressure relief valves designed torelieve internal pressure of any vessels and avoid or at least reducethe likelihood of vessel rupture and thermal expansion tanks that aresuitable for maintaining a desired operating pressure. The size andcapacity of the thermal expansion tank will depend on factors including,but not limited to, the total volume of water, the operating temperatureand pressure of the reservoir system.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, thereservoir system is connected in or in thermal communication with theheat exchanger and, optionally, to a fluid treatment device. The fluidtreatment device can be an electrodeionization device, a reverse osmosisdevice, an ion-exchange resin bed, an electrodialysis device, acapacitive deionization device, or combinations thereof.

In operation, reservoir system 12 is typically connected downstream ofpoint of entry 14 and fluidly connected in-line, such as in acirculation loop, with electrodeionization device 16. For example, waterfrom point of entry 14 can flow into inlet 62 and can mix with the bulkwater contained within reservoir system 12. Bulk water can exitreservoir system 12 through outlet 64 and can be directed to point ofuse 18 or through pump 30 into electrodeionization device 16 fortreatment or removal of any undesirable species. Treated water leavingelectrodeionization device 16 can mix with water from point of entry 14and enter reservoir system 12 through inlet 62. In this way, a loop canbe formed between reservoir system 12 and electrodeionization device 16and feedwater from point of entry 14 can replenish water demand createdby and flowing to point of use 18.

Point of entry 14 provides or connects water from a water source to thewater treatment system. The water source can be a potable water source,such as municipal water source or well water or it can be a non-potablewater source, such as a brackish or salt-water source. In someinstances, an intermediate treatment or treatment system typicallypurifies the water for human consumption before it reaches point ofentry 14. The water typically contains dissolved salts or ionic orionizable species including sodium, chloride, chlorine, calcium ions,magnesium ions, carbonates, sulfates or other insoluble or semi-solublespecies or dissolved gases, such as silica and carbon dioxide. Moreover,the water can contain additives, such as fluoride, chlorate and bromate.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,treatment system 10 includes a fluid distribution system (not shown),which in turn connects to a point of use. The distribution system cancomprise components that are fluidly connected to provide, for example,water, typically treated water, from reservoir system 12 to point of use18. The distribution system can comprise any arrangement of pipes,valves, tees, pumps and manifolds to provide water from reservoir system12 to one or several points of use 18 or to any component of treatmentsystem 10. In one embodiment, the distribution system comprises ahousehold or residential water distribution system including, but notlimited to, connections to one or more points of use such, but notlimited to, a sink faucet, a shower head, a washing machine and adishwasher. For example, system 10 may be connected to the cold or hot,or both, water distribution system of a household.

Point of use 18 is typically any device or appliance that requires ordemands water. For example, point of use 18 can be an appliance, such asa washing machine or a dishwasher, or can be a faucet serving to providewater to a kitchen sink or a showerhead. In another embodiment, point ofuse 18 comprises a system for providing water suitable for household orresidential use.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, watertreatment system 10 also comprises a sensor, such as a water propertysensor, which measures at least one physical property in treatmentsystem 10. For example, sensor 20 can be a device that can measure waterconductivity, pH, temperature, pressure, composition or flow rate.Sensor 20 can be installed or positioned within treatment system 10 tomeasure a particularly preferred water property. For example, sensor 20can be a water conductivity sensor installed in reservoir system 12 sothat sensor 20 measures the conductivity of the water, which can providean indication of the quality of the water available for service in pointof use 18. In another embodiment, sensor 20 can comprise a series or aset of sensors in any various configurations or arrangements intreatment system 10. The set of sensors can be constructed, arranged orconnected to controller 22 so that controller 22 can monitor,intermittently or continuously, the quality of water in, for example,reservoir system 12. In such an arrangement, the performance oftreatment system 10 can be optimized as described below. Otherembodiments may comprise a combination of sets of sensors in variouslocations throughout treatment system 10. For example, sensor 20 can bea flow sensor measuring a flow rate to a point of use 18 and furtherinclude any of a pH meter, nephelometer, composition analyzer,temperature and pressure sensor monitoring the operating condition oftreatment system 10.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, watertreatment system 10 can further comprise a pretreatment system 28designed to remove a portion of any undesirable species from the waterbefore the water is introduced to, for example, reservoir system 12 orthe electrodeionization device 16. Examples of pretreatment systemsinclude, but are not limited to, reverse osmosis devices, which aretypically used to desalinate brackish or salt water. A carbon orcharcoal filter may be used to remove at least a portion of anychlorine, including active chlorine, or any species that may foul orinterfere with the operation of electrodeionization device 16.Pretreatment system 28 can be positioned anywhere within water treatmentsystem 10. For example, pretreatment system 28 can be positionedupstream of reservoir system 12 or downstream of system 12 but upstreamof electrodeionization device 16 so that at least some chlorine speciesare retained in reservoir system 12 but are removed before water enterselectrodeionization device 16. In accordance with further embodiments ofthe present invention, disinfecting and/or cleaning apparatus or systemsmay be utilized with the treatment system. Such disinfecting or cleaningsystem can comprise any apparatus that destroys or renders inactive, atleast partially, any microorganisms, such as bacteria, that canaccumulate in any component of the treatment system. Examples of suchcleaning or disinfecting systems include those that can introduce adisinfectant or disinfecting chemical compounds, such as halogens,halogen-donors, acids or bases, as well as systems that expose wettedcomponents of the treatment system to hot water at a temperature capableof sanitization. In accordance with still further embodiments, of thepresent invention, the treatment system can include final stage or posttreatment systems or subsystems that provide final purification of thefluid prior to delivery at a point of use. Examples of such posttreatment systems include, but are not limited to those that expose thefluid to actinic radiation or ultraviolet radiation, and/or ozone orremove undesirable compounds by micro filtration or ultrafiltration.Thus, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, the treatment system may be utilized for household serviceand installed, for example, under a sink and provide treated water,which is treated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, before beingdelivered to a point of use, such as a faucet.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, treatmentsystem 10 can further comprise a controller 22 that is capable ofmonitoring and regulating the operating conditions of treatment system10 and its components. Controller 22 typically comprises amicroprocessor-based device, such as a programmable logic controller(PLC) or a distributed control system that receives or sends input andoutput signals to components of treatment system 10. In one embodiment,controller 22 can comprise a PLC that sends a signal to power source 24,which supplies power to electrodeionization device 16 or can provide asignal to a motor control center that provides power to pumps 30. Incertain embodiments, controller 22 regulates the operating conditions ofwater treatment system 10 in open-loop or closed-loop control scheme.For example, controller 22, in open-loop control, can provide signals tothe water treatment system such that water is treated without measuringany operating condition. Controller 22 can control the operatingconditions in closed-loop control so that operating parameters can beadjusted depending on an operating condition measured by, for example,sensor 20. In yet another embodiment, controller 22 can further comprisea communication system such as a remote communication device fortransmitting or sending the measured operating condition or operatingparameter to a remote station.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,controller 22 can provide a signal that actuates a valve 32 in treatmentsystem 10 so that fluid flow in treatment system 10 is adjusted based ona variety of parameters including, but not limited to, the quality ofwater from point of entry 14, the quality of water to point of use 18,the demand or quantity of water to point of use 18, the operatingefficiency or capacity of electrodeionization device 16, or any of avariety of operating conditions, such as the water conductivity, pH,turbidity, composition, temperature, pressure and flow rate. In oneembodiment, controller 22 receives signals from sensor 20 so thatcontroller 22 is capable of monitoring the operating parameters oftreatment system 10. For example, sensor 20 can be a water conductivitysensor positioned within reservoir system 12 so that the waterconductivity in reservoir system 12 is monitored by controller 22.Controller 22 can, based on, for example, the water quality measured bysensor 20, control power source 24, which provides an electric field toelectrodeionization device 16. So, in operation, controller 22 canincrease or decrease or otherwise adjust the voltage and current or bothsupplied from power source 24 to electrodeionization device 16.Controller 22 typically includes algorithms that can change an operatingparameter of treatment system 10 based on one or more measuredproperties of the liquid flowing in the system. Thus, in someembodiments of the present invention, controller 22 can increase ordecrease or otherwise adjust the period between operating cycles ofelectrodeionization device 16, such as, but not limited to, cycles ofreversing applied electric field and the associated fluid flow.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, controller 22can reverse the direction of the applied current from power source 24 toelectrodeionization device 16 according to a predetermined schedule oraccording to an operating condition, such as the water quality or anyother operating parameter. Polarity reversal has been described by, forexample, Giuffrida et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,071, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Controller 22 can be configured or configurable by programming or can beself-adjusting such that it is capable of maximizing, for example, anyof the service life and the efficiency of or reducing the operating costof treatment system 10. For example, controller 22 can comprise amicroprocessor having user-selectable set points or self-adjusting setpoints that adjusts the applied voltage and current toelectrodeionization device 16, the flow rate through the concentratingand depleting compartments of the electrodeionization device or thedischarge flow rate to drain 26 from the electrodeionization device orthe pretreatment system or both. Other modifications and equivalents ofthe controller, as part of the water treatment system disclosed, willoccur to persons skilled in the art using no more than routineexperimentation. For example, the use of adaptive, self-adjusting, orself-diagnosing controllers capable of changing the operating parametersbased on a variety of input parameters such as rate of water use or timeof water use, are believed to be within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,controller 22 can calculate a control parameter that can be used toadjust or vary a control signal to a component of the water treatmentsystem. For example, controller 22 can calculate a LSI based on themeasured operating conditions of the streams of the water treatmentsystem. LSI can then be used in another or the same control loop, in thesame or another controller, as an input variable that can be compared toa set-point and generate an output signal that actuates, adjusts orotherwise regulates a component of the water treatment system. LSI canbe calculated according to, for example, ASTM D 3739.

Controller 22 can incorporate dead band control to reduce the likelihoodof unstable on/off control or chattering. Dead band refers to the rangeof signal outputs that a sensor provides without necessarily triggeringa responsive control signal. The dead band may reside, in some cases,intrinsically in the sensor or may be programmed as part of the controlsystem, or both. Dead band control can avoid unnecessary intermittentoperation by smoothing out measurement excursions. Such controltechniques can prolong the operating life or mean time before failure ofthe components of treatment system 10. Other techniques that can be usedinclude the use of voting, time-smoothing or time-averaging measurementsor combinations thereof.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,discharge water, typical from waste stream 58, to auxiliary use canserve or provide additional or secondary benefits. For example, wastestream 58, rather than going to drain 26, may be used to provide, forexample, irrigating water to any residential, commercial or industrialuse, such as for irrigating, for recycling or for recovery of collectedor concentrated salts. In yet another embodiment, the treatment systemincludes a mixing system that is fluidly connected to at least one ofthe distribution system and the reservoir system. The mixing or blendingsystem can include a fluid connection in the distribution system as wellas a fluid connection to the point of entry. The mixing system canprovide fluid mixing of, for example, untreated water with treated waterto produce service water that can be used at the point of use. Themixing system can include at least one a tee and a mixing tank, or both,that fluidly connects an outlet of the reservoir system and the point ofentry. The mixing system, in some cases, can include a valve thatregulates the flow of any of the untreated water stream and the treatedwater stream flowing to the point of use. In another embodiment, thevalve can be a proportional valve that mixes the treated water withuntreated water according to a predetermined ratio. In anotherembodiment, the valve can be actuated by the controller depending on anyof the flow rate, the water property and the particular serviceassociated with the point of use. For example, if a low hardness wateris required by the point of use, then the controller can regulate theamount of untreated water, if any, that can be mixed with treated waterby actuating a valve, which regulates the flow rate of the untreatedwater, in closed-loop control with a sensor measuring the conductivityof the mixed water stream. In another embodiment, the valve can regulatethe flow rate of the treated water that would be mixed with theuntreated water according to the requirements of the point of use. Inanother embodiment, the treatment device can be operated to reach aset-point that is lower than any required by various points of use sothat any mixing of treated water with untreated water can produceservice water that satisfies the particular requirements of each pointof use. Those of ordinary skill should recognize that the present thetreatment system can be adjustable to accommodate fluctuations in demandas well as variations in water quality requirements. For example, thepresent invention can provide a water treatment system that can producelow LSI water, which would be available to the system as a whole, duringextended idle periods. The low LSI water, in some embodiments, can beused to flush the wetted components of the treatment system, which canreduce the likelihood of scaling and should increase the service life ofthe components, individually, as well as the treatment system as awhole. In accordance with some embodiments, the present inventionprovides a system for producing treated liquids, such as water, having alow conductivity. As used herein, a low conductivity liquid has aconductivity of less than about 300 μS/cm, preferably less than about220 μS/cm and more preferably, less than about 200 μS/cm.

The treatment system can comprise a fluid circuit that can providetreated or, in some cases, softened water or, in other cases, lowconductivity water or low LSI water, to an electrode compartment of thetreatment device such as an electrodeionization device. The fluidcircuit can comprise fluid connections from a treated water source tothe electrode compartments of the electrodeionization device. The fluidcircuit can also comprise a pretreatment unit, such as a carbon filterthat can remove any species, such as chlorine, which can interfere withthe operation of the electrodeionization device. The fluid circuit canalso include fluid connections to at least one of the depleting and theconcentrating compartments of the electrodeionization device, forexample, downstream of the pretreatment unit. The fluid circuitconnections, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentinvention provides connections so that fluid exiting the electrodecompartments can be, for example, mixed together or mixed with fluid tobe treated in the depleting compartment. The fluid circuit can alsocomprise pumps and valves that can direct fluid flow to and from theelectrodeionization device as well as to and from the reservoir system.In some cases, the fluid circuit is arranged to provide fluidconnections that creates parallel flow paths through the electrodecompartments of the electrodeionization device. Other arrangements andconfigurations are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention including, for example, serial flow paths from one electrodecompartment to the other, the use of single, multiple or dedicatedpretreatment units as well as multiple or staged treatment unitsincluding, but not limited to, reverse osmosis, ion exchange andelectrodeionization devices, or combinations thereof, in the fluidcircuit.

The treatment system can comprise a fluid circuit that provides fluidconnections from a depleting compartment to at least one electrodecompartment of the electrodeionization device. Such an arrangement canprovide treated water, preferably water having low LSI or lowconductivity, or both, to the electrode compartment. The fluid circuitcan be arranged so that the fluid flow paths can be in series or inparallel through the electrode compartments. The fluid circuit can alsocomprise fluid connections to allow the fluid that would exit theelectrode compartment to be delivered to a point of use via, forexample, a water distribution system or to a reservoir system, or toboth. In some arrangements, the fluid circuit can comprise fluidconnections so that untreated fluid can be mixed with fluid that wouldexit any of electrode compartments; the mixture can be delivered to thepoint of use. In another embodiment, the fluid circuit can furthercomprise fluid connections to and from a reservoir system so that, forexample, treated fluid that would exit the depleting compartment can betransferred to the reservoir system and mixed with untreated fluid fromthe point of entry and the mixture can be delivered to the point of useand, optionally, to the electrode compartments of theelectrodeionization device in parallel or series flow paths. Otherarrangements and combinations including, for example, the mixing oftreated and untreated water to produce a mixed electrode compartmentflushing fluid is considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

The present invention will be further illustrated through the followingexamples, which are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

An in-line pressurized water treatment system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the systems and techniques of the present invention,schematically shown in FIG. 3, was evaluated for performance. The watertreatment system 10 had an electrodeionization module 16 with apretreatment system (not shown) and a pressurized storage vessel 12.Water, from point of entry 14, was introduced into pressurized vessel 12and was circulated through electrodeionization module 16. The watertreatment system was controlled by a programmable controller (not shown)based on a measured water conductivity, as measured by sensors 20 b and20 c, upstream of an inlet 62 and downstream of an outlet 64 ofpressurized vessel 12.

Electrodeionization device 16 comprised of a 10-cell pair stack with13-inch flowpaths. Each cell was filled with about 40% AMBERLITE® SF 120resin and about 60% AMBERLITE® IRA 458 resin, both available from Rohm &Haas Company, Philadelphia, Pa. The electrodeionization device had anexpanded titanium electrode, which was coated with ruthenium oxide. Thepretreatment system comprised of an aeration type iron-filter with a25-micron rating, a 20 inch×4 inch sediment filter and a 20 inch×4 inchcarbon block filter. Pressurized vessel 12 was about a 10 inch diameterfiberglass vessel with about a 17-gallon capacity. The pressurizedvessel was fitted with a valve head and a center manifold pipe.

The concentrate stream leaving the electrodeionization device waspartially circulated and partially rejected to a drain 26 by regulatingvalves 32 b, 32 c, 32 e, 32 f, 32 g, 32 h, 32 j and 32 l. Make-up water,from point of entry 14, was fed into the circulating stream tocompensate for any water that was rejected to drain 26 by actuatingvalves 32 b, 32 c and 32 d, in proper sequence. Treated water exitedelectrodeionization device 16 and was returned to vessel 12 through areturn fluid circuit having a liquid conduit and valves 32 i and 32 k.

The flow rate of treated water to a point of use 18 from outlet 64 ofpressurized vessel 12 was regulated by adjusting valve 32 a. Severalsensors measuring operating conditions and water properties wereinstalled throughout water treatment system 10 including pressureindicators 20 d, 20 f, 20 g, 20 h and 20 i, flow rate indicators 20 a,20 e, 20 j and 20 k and conductivity sensors 20 b, 20 c and 201.

The controller was a MICROLOGIX™ 1000 programmable controller availablefrom Allen-Bradley Company, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., which was used tocontrol the valve sequencing as well as to monitor and record theoperating conditions of the system. The controller fluidly isolated theelectrodeionization device when a set-point was reached. The controllerstarted the electrodeionization device depending on whether a flowswitch signal triggered operation or when the water conductivity of theoutlet stream leaving the pressurized vessel was higher than the setpoint. The feed from the electrodeionization device was circulated fromthe pressurized vessel via a second feed pump. The polarity of theelectric field applied to the electrodeionization device was reversed bythe controller every 15 minutes.

The water treatment system was operated until a set point was reached.The applied voltage to the electrodeionization device was about 50volts. The flow rate through the electrodeionization device wasmaintained at about 2000 ml/min. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the measuredproperties of the various streams of the water treatment system at thestart and end of the test, respectively. Notably, the data presented inTable 1 showed that the initial feed stream into electrodeionizationdevice 16, with a conductivity of about 462 μS/cm, was treated toproduce an initial dilute stream having a conductivity of about 374μS/cm without a substantial pH change. At the end of the run, feed waterwas treated from a conductivity of about 255 μS/cm to produce a dilutestream with a conductivity of about 158 μS/cm. Notably, the lowerconductivity of the feed stream at the end of the test run reflected theeffect of circulation, which effectively removed undesirable speciesover several passes. TABLE 1 Stream properties at the start of the testrun. Feed Stream Reject Stream Dilute Stream pH 7.23 7.51 7.41Conductivity 462 1394 374 (μS/cm)

TABLE 2 Stream properties at the end of the test run. Feed Stream RejectStream Dilute Stream pH 6.79 7.77 6.62 Conductivity 255 1024 158 (μS/cm)

FIG. 4 shows the conductivity of the water along with the appliedcurrent through the electrodeionization device during the test run. Theconductivity of the treated water from the electrodeionization device,labeled as dilute, was reduced to less than about 175 μS/cm in less thanabout 45 minutes. FIG. 4 also shows that the conductivity of the productstream, to service such as a point of use and labeled as tank outlet anddilute feed, was reduced to less than about 300 μS/cm. Furthermore, FIG.4 shows that the applied current was reduced, as expected, withdecreasing concentration of hardness species. Thus, the water treatmentsystem of the present invention reduced the hardness, as measured byconductivity, by about 70% while delivering about 80 gallons per day.

EXAMPLE 2

An in-line pressurized water treatment system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention, schematically shown in FIG.5, was evaluated for performance. The water treatment system 10 had anelectrodeionization module 16 and a pressurized storage vessel 12.Water, from point of entry 14, was introduced into pressurized storagevessel 12 through inlet 62 and was circulated using pumps 30 a and 30 band treated through pretreatment units 28 a and 28 b andelectrodeionization module 16. The water treatment system was controlledby a programmable controller (not shown) based on the measured waterconductivity, as measured by sensors any of 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c.

Electrodeionization device 16 comprised of a 10-cell pair stack withflowpaths that were about 7.5 inches long and about 2.5 inches wide.Each cell was filled with about 40% AMBERLITE® SF 120 resin and about60% AMBERLITE® IRA 458 resin, both available from Rohm & Haas Company,Philadelphia, Pa. The electrodeionization device had an expandedtitanium electrode coated with ruthenium oxide.

The controller was a MICROLOGIX™ 1000 programmable controller availablefrom Allen-Bradley Company, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis. Theelectrodeionization device was set to start up either by a flow switchsignal or when the water conductivity of the outlet stream leaving thepressurized vessel was higher than a set point. The electrodeionizationdevice operated until the conductivity reached the set point. The feedfrom the electrodeionization device was circulated from the pressurizedvessel via a second feed pump. The polarity of the electric fieldapplied to the electrodeionization device was reversed about every 15minutes. In addition to controlling the components ofelectrodeionization device 16, the PLC collected, stored and transmittedmeasured data from sensors 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d.

Pressurized vessel 12 was a 10-inch diameter fiberglass vessel with a30-gallon capacity. Pressurized vessel 12 was fitted with a valve headand a center manifold pipe. The concentrate stream leaving theelectrodeionization device was partially circulated and partiallyrejected to a drain 26 by regulating valves 32 c, 32 d, 32 e, 32 f and32 g. Make-up water, from point of entry 14, was fed into thecirculating stream to compensate for any water that was rejected todrain 26. The pretreatment system comprised of an aeration iron-filterwith a 25-micron rating, a 20 inch×4 inch sediment filter and a 20inch×4 inch carbon block filter.

In the one flow direction, water from pressure vessel 12 was pumped bypump 30 a, from pressure vessel 12 through valve 32 c, to pretreatmentunit 28 a before being introduced to the depleting compartments (notshown) of electrodeionization device 16. Treated water fromelectrodeionization device 16 was directed by valve 32 f to storage inpressure vessel 12. Fluid collecting removed ionic species wascirculated by pump 30 b through pretreatment unit 28 b, theconcentrating and electrode compartments (not shown) ofelectrodeionization device 16 and valve 32 e. When the direction of theapplied electric field was reversed, the flow directions werecorrespondingly adjusted so that pump 30 a, pretreatment unit 28 a, andvalves 32 c and 32 f circulated the concentrate stream, which wasaccumulating ionic species, while flowing through the concentrating andelectrode compartments of electrodeionization device 16. Similarly,water to be treated was pumped from pressure vessel 12 using pump 30 bthrough valve 32 d to pretreatment unit 28 b before being introduced andtreated in the depleting compartments of electrodeionization device 16.From electrodeionization device 16, treated water was directed by valve32 e to flow into pressure vessel 12.

The flow rate of treated water, as measured by flow indicator 20 d, to apoint of use 18 from outlet 64 of pressurized vessel 12 was regulated byadjusting valves 32 a and 32 b. To discharge the concentrate stream,valve 32 g was operated as necessary. Water from point of entry 14 wasused to replace fluid that was discharged to drain 26. The watertreatment system was operated until a target set point of about 220μS/cm was reached and stable for about one minute. The applied voltageto the electrodeionization device was about 46 volts. The flow ratesinto the depleting and concentrating compartments were maintained atabout 4.4 liters per minute. The reject flow rate was controlled todischarge about 270 ml of the concentrate stream about every 30 seconds.The pressure in the vessel was about 15 psig to about 20 psig.

FIG. 6 shows the measured conductivity of the various streams in thewater treatment system, against run time. Tables 3 and 4 summarize themeasured properties of the various streams of the water treatment systemat the start and end of the test, respectively. The data presented inTable 3 showed that the initial feed stream, labeled as tankoutconductivity in FIG. 6, into electrodeionization device 16 with aconductivity of about 412 μS/cm was treated to produce an initial dilutestream, labeled as stackout conductivity in FIG. 6, having aconductivity of about 312 μS/cm, without a substantial pH change.Similarly, at the end of the test run, water having a conductivity ofabout 221 μS/cm was treated to produce lower conductivity water of about164 μS/cm without a substantial pH change.

As similarly noted in Example 1, the lower conductivity of the feedstream at the end of the test run reflected the effect of circulation,which effectively removed undesirable species over several passes. Thus,this example shows that the treatment system of the present invention,schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, can treat water that is suitablefor household or residential use. TABLE 3 Stream properties at the startof the test run. Feed Stream Reject Stream Product Stream pH 8.19 8.38.02 Conductivity 412 944.9 312.0 (μS/cm)

TABLE 4 Stream properties at the end of the test run. Feed Stream RejectStream Product Stream pH 8.37 8.33 7.75 Conductivity 221 833.8 164(μS/cm)

Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that all parametersand configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and thatactual parameters and configurations will depend upon the specificapplication for which the systems and methods of the present inventionare used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Forexample, those skilled in the art may recognize that the presentinvention may further comprise a network of systems or be a component ofa system such as a household or residential management system. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise thanas specifically described. The present invention is directed to eachindividual feature, system, or method described herein. In addition, anycombination of two or more such features, systems or methods, if suchfeatures, systems or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is includedwithin the scope of the present invention.

1. A water treatment system comprising: a pressurized reservoir systemfluidly connected to a point of entry; a water treatment device fluidlyconnected to the pressurized reservoir system; a water distributionsystem fluidly connected to the pressurized reservoir system; and atleast one point of use fluidly connected to the water distributionsystem.
 2. The water treatment system of claim 1 further comprising apretreatment system fluidly connected upstream of the water treatmentdevice.
 3. The water treatment system of claim 2 wherein thepretreatment system comprises a reverse osmosis device.
 4. The watertreatment system of claim 3 wherein the pretreatment system furthercomprises a carbon filter.
 5. The water treatment system of claim 4further comprising at least one water property sensor.
 6. The watertreatment system of claim 5 wherein the water property sensor comprisesany of a conductivity sensor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor,pressure sensor, a pH sensor, a turbidity sensor, a composition analyzerand combinations thereof.
 7. The water treatment system of claim 6further comprising a controller for regulating an operating condition ofthe water treatment system based on a measurement of the water propertysensor.
 8. The water treatment system of claim 7 wherein the controllerregulates at least one of an applied current and an applied voltage tothe water treatment device.
 9. The water treatment system of claim 8further comprising a remote communication device in communication withthe controller.
 10. The water treatment system of claim 9 wherein thepoint of use comprises an appliance.
 11. The water treatment system ofclaim 7 further comprising an algorithm in the controller capable ofcalculating an LSI based on the measurement of the water propertysensor.
 12. The water treatment system of claim 1 wherein water in thewater storage vessel comprises chlorine.
 13. The water treatment systemof claim 1 further comprising a heat exchanger thermally connected tothe pressurized reservoir system.
 14. The water treatment system ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one water property sensor.
 15. Thewater treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a controller forregulating an operating condition of the water treatment system based ona measurement of a water property sensor.
 16. The water treatment systemof claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary use fluidly connecteddownstream of the water treatment device.
 17. The water treatment systemof claim 1 further comprising an irrigation system fluidly connecteddownstream of the water treatment device.
 18. The water treatment systemof claim 1 wherein the water distribution system is a household waterdistribution system.
 19. The water treatment system of claim 1 whereinthe treated water has a conductivity of less than about 220 μS/cm. 20.The water treatment systems of claim 1 wherein the water treatmentdevice comprises an electrodeionization device.
 21. A treatment systemcomprising: a reservoir system fluidly connected to a point of entry; anelectrochemical device fluidly connected to the reservoir system; apoint of use fluidly connected to the reservoir system; and an auxiliaryuse fluidly connected downstream of the electrochemical device.
 22. Thetreatment system of claim 21 wherein the reservoir system ispressurized.
 23. The treatment system of claim 21 further comprising apretreatment system fluidly connected upstream of the electrochemicaldevice.
 24. The treatment system of claim 21 wherein the pretreatmentsystem comprises a reverse osmosis device.
 25. The treatment system ofclaim 23 wherein the pretreatment system comprises a carbon filter. 26.The treatment system of claim 21 further comprising a controller forregulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system. 27.The treatment system of claim 21 wherein the point of use comprises anappliance.
 28. The treatment system of claim 21 further comprising aheat exchanger thermally connected to the reservoir system.
 29. Thetreatment system of claim 21 wherein the auxiliary use comprises anirrigation system.
 30. A method for treating water comprising:introducing water to a pressurized reservoir system; transferring aportion of the water from the pressurized reservoir system to a watertreatment device; removing at least a portion of any undesirable speciesfrom the water from the pressurized reservoir system in the watertreatment device to produce treated water; transferring the treatedwater from the water treatment device to the pressurized reservoirsystem; and distributing a portion of the treated water from thepressurized reservoir system to a point of use.
 31. The method of claim30 wherein the undesirable species is a hardness ion species.
 32. Themethod of claim 30 further comprising pretreating the water beforetransferring the water to the water treatment device.
 33. The method ofclaim 30 further comprising measuring any of a water turbidity,alkalinity, composition, conductivity, pH, pressure and temperature. 34.The method of claim 30 further comprising adjusting at least one of anapplied current and an applied voltage on the water treatment device.35. The method of claim 30 further comprising heating the water in thepressurized reservoir system.
 36. The method of claim 30 furthercomprising adjusting an operating cycle of the water treatment device.37. The method of claim 30 wherein the water treatment device comprisesan electrodeionization device.
 38. The method of claim 30 furthercomprising cleaning the water treatment device to remove or inactivateat least a portion of any contaminant organisms.
 39. The method of claim38 wherein cleaning the water treatment device comprises exposing atleast a portion of a wetted surface of the water treatment device to acleaning agent.
 40. A method for treating water comprising: introducingwater from a point of use to a reservoir system; removing at least aportion of any undesirable species from the water in the reservoirsystem in an electrochemical device to produce treated water anddischarge water; transferring at least a portion of the treated waterfrom the electrochemical device to the reservoir system; transferring aportion of the discharge water to an auxiliary use; and distributing aportion of the treated water from the reservoir system to a point ofuse.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein the reservoir system ispressurized.
 42. The method of claim 40 wherein distributing a portionof the treated water comprises distributing water to a household. 43.The method of claim 40 wherein transferring the discharge water to theauxiliary use comprises transferring at least a portion of the dischargewater to an irrigation system.
 44. The method of claim 40 furthercomprising pretreating the water before removing the at least a portionof the any undesirable species from the water.
 45. The method of claim40 further comprising adjusting an operating parameter of theelectrochemical device.
 46. A water distribution system comprising: afirst pretreatment system fluidly connected to a point of entry; apressurized reservoir system fluidly connected downstream of the firstpretreatment system; a second pretreatment system fluidly connected tothe pressurized reservoir system; and an electrochemical device fluidlyconnected downstream of the second pretreatment system and to thepressurized reservoir system.
 47. The distribution system of claim 46further comprising a controller for regulating at least one of anapplied current and an applied voltage on the electrochemical device.48. The distribution system of claim 46 further comprising a heatexchanger in thermal communication with the pressurized reservoirsystem.
 49. The distribution system of claim 46 further comprising afluid transfer system fluidly connected to the pressurized reservoirsystem and a point of use.
 50. The distribution system of claim 49further comprising a post treatment system fluidly connected downstreamof the electrochemical device and upstream of a point of use.
 51. Awater treatment system comprising: means for accumulating water from awater source at a pressure above atmospheric pressure; and anelectrochemical device fluidly connected to the means for accumulatingwater.
 52. The system of claim 51 further comprising means for fluidlydelivering a portion of the water to a point of use.
 53. The system ofclaim 51 further comprising a pretreatment system fluidly connectedupstream of the means for accumulating water.
 54. The system of claim 51further comprising a means for adjusting an operating parameter of atleast one of the electrochemical device, the means for accumulatingwater and the means for fluidly delivering a portion of the water. 55.The system of claim 51 further comprising means for heating the water.56. A method for treating water comprising: mixing water from a point ofentry with a treated water to produce a mixed water; removing a portionof any undesirable species from a portion of the mixed water in anelectrochemical device to produce the treated water; and distributing aportion of the mixed water to a point of use.
 57. The method of claim 56further comprising pre-treating at least a portion of the mixed water.58. The method of claim 56 further comprising adjusting at least one ofa voltage and current applied on the electrochemical device.
 59. Themethod of claim 56 further comprising heating at least a portion of themixed water.
 60. A method for treating water comprising: accumulatingwater from a point of use; removing at least a portion of anyundesirable species from the water in an electrochemical device toproduce treated water; and supplying at least a portion of the treatedwater to a household.
 61. The method of claim 60 wherein the water fromthe point of use is accumulated under a pressure that is aboveatmospheric pressure.
 62. A method for treating water comprising:accumulating water from a point of use at a pressure that is aboveatmospheric pressure; providing an electrochemical device; transferringat least a portion of the accumulated water to the electrochemicaldevice; removing at least a portion of any undesirable species from thewater in the electrochemical device to produce a treated water; andadjusting at least one operating parameter of the electrochemicaldevice.
 63. The method of claim 62 further comprising supplying at leasta portion of the treated water to a household appliance.
 64. The methodof claim 63 further comprising heating at least a portion of the treatedwater prior to supplying the water to a household appliance.
 65. Themethod of claim 62 further comprising calculating a desired property ofthe treated water.
 66. The method of claim 62 further comprisingreversing a polarity of an electric field applied across theelectrochemical device.
 67. The method of claim 62 further comprisingadjusting a time delay between reversing cycles.
 68. A systemcomprising: a fluid reservoir in thermal communication with a heatexchanger; and a fluid treatment device fluidly connected to the fluidreservoir.
 69. The system of claim 71 wherein the fluid treatment devicecomprises at least one of an electrochemical device, a reverse osmosisdevice, an ion-exchange device, an electrodialysis device and acapacitive deionization device.
 70. A method for facilitating watertreatment comprising: providing a system comprising a pressurizablereservoir system that is fluidly connectable to a point of entry and anelectrochemical device fluidly connected to the pressurizable reservoirsystem and fluidly connectable to a water distribution system.